New Melton Centrals coach Ben Chapman knows he has a challenge ahead of him at the Riddell District Football League club.
The Centrals made a surprise coaching change in the off season, and bought in Chapman, who has signed a three-year contract.
Chapman, who has coached in the Western, Essendon District and Northern football leagues, said there had been an itch to return to coaching.
“It’s a different competition and it’s exciting,” he said. “When I stepped away last year due to work commitments, I didn’t miss it.
“Going and being a spectator this year, I didn’t do it overly well.
“After 20 years it was difficult being on the other side of the fence.
“I had a change in work circumstances and the time to do a senior coaching role needs.
“I made the decision to coach again in June.”
Chapman had several offers to coach but it was the honesty of the Centrals that drew him to the side.
He said they put all the cards on the table and what they were looking for.
Centrals won just two games this year and finished bottom.
“I found some of their strengths were on the same page as mine in many respects,” he said. “The side hasn’t been successful for a fair period of time and there’s a lot of hard work involved.
“Hopefully we can hold things in good stead and move and hopefully get the results.”
Chapman has coached several Centrals players previously and had still been in touch with them throughout the years.
He said while he isn’t totally blind coming in, it would be a fresh start for them.
“It’s not different from when I came to Sunshine in 2022,” he said. “It can be a good thing as you go in with a clean slate.
“I signed for three years hopefully to see through changes at the club which is hell bent on being a successful club.
“I want to build a program up and set it up for sustained success. It doesn’t happen overnight .
“I want to invest time into the kids and have that pathway into the senior program.”
In a positive for Centrals, they are set to have both under-17s and under-19s next season which they haven’t had for a while.
Chapman said he was keen to fast track some of the younger players to help set standards and habits.
Centrals have already signed some new players before signing Chapman.
He said there were no illusions where the list is at.
“We want to be more competitive and consistent,” he said. “We’re talking to players.
“I think we will have a fairly competitive list.”
Tara Murray
